Common Concerns and How to Avoid Damage
Let’s be honest: slapping a roof rack or hitch rack onto your car feels like a no-brainer. Need more space? Boom—problem solved. Want to haul bikes, boards, boxes, or a rooftop tent? No sweat—there’s a rack for that.
But right around the time you’re tightening that last strap or clicking “confirm purchase,” that little voice in the back of your head kicks in: Wait… is this going to mess up my car?
You’re not crazy to ask. While racks are designed to fit safely on most vehicles, there are a few things they can affect over time—your paint, your gas mileage, your suspension, even how loud your car sounds at highway speeds. The good news? Most of those concerns can be handled with a little planning and know-how.
Let’s break down the most common fears and what you can do to avoid turning your sweet setup into a source of regret.
1. “Will a Roof Rack Scratch My Paint?”
Short answer: It can. But only if it’s installed poorly—or neglected.
Scratches usually happen in one of three ways:
- Dirt and grit gets trapped under the feet or clamps
- The rack shifts while driving (often from loose or incorrect installation)
- You install/remove it frequently without cleaning the contact points
This is especially true for roof racks that clamp onto door frames (on bare-roof cars). Over time, that metal-on-metal contact—combined with movement and moisture—can wear through paint or leave marks.
Avoid it by:
- Always cleaning the mounting area before installing anything
- Using rubberized pads or paint protection film under foot mounts or towers
- Tightening everything properly so it doesn’t wiggle on the move
- Checking it after a week or two of driving (especially after rough roads)
If you’re a once-a-year user, consider taking the rack off between trips. It reduces wear and makes washing your car way easier too.
2. “Can a Rack Wear Out My Suspension?”
This one’s a bit more complicated—and it depends on how much weight you’re hauling and how often you’re doing it.
Your suspension is built to handle a reasonable load, but racks (especially fully loaded ones) do add weight, and they often shift your car’s center of gravity. Throw a 150 lb rooftop tent on your roof and a few hundred pounds of gear in the back, and suddenly your suspension is doing a lot more work than it was designed for.
Most of the time, you’re fine—especially if you’re within your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and roof load limit. But overloading, doing it often, or driving aggressively with that added weight can cause premature wear on shocks, struts, and tires. Hitch racks that sag under heavy e-bikes are a common example—you’ll sometimes see the car’s rear dipping from the weight.
Avoid it by:
- Knowing your weight limits (don’t just guess—check your car’s manual)
- Keeping rooftop loads under 165 lbs total, and hitch loads under your tongue weight limit
- Not overloading your car on every trip just because the rack makes it feel like you have more space
- Getting your suspension checked if you’re frequently hauling lots of gear
And if your car already feels a little soft in the rear? You might want to ease up before you turn a weekend getaway into a mechanic’s payday.
3. “What About Wind Noise?”
Yep—wind noise is real. Roof racks, especially the square bar type, can get noisy at highway speeds. Add a cargo box or basket and it can start to sound like you’re driving a freight train.
Some people barely notice it. Others can’t stand it. Either way, it’s not your imagination.
The airflow over your roof gets disrupted by anything mounted up there, and depending on the shape of the rack and how fast you’re going, you might hear whistling, humming, or low-end rumbling that can drive you nuts on long trips.
Avoid it by:
- Choosing aerodynamic or oval-shaped crossbars instead of square or round ones
- Adding a wind fairing (those little plastic shields that sit in front of your front bar)
- Removing the rack when you’re not using it—especially if it’s just for occasional trips
- Making sure the bars are properly aligned—uneven spacing or bad angle = louder ride
And pro tip: if you’re mounting something like a cargo box, make sure it’s centered. A box that sits off to one side is more than just annoying to look at—it can mess with airflow and make the noise worse.
4. “Is a Rack Going to Kill My Gas Mileage?”
Okay, “kill” is dramatic. But yes, a rack (especially one with gear on it) is going to affect your fuel economy.
Roof racks, cargo boxes, and baskets all add wind resistance. Even empty bars create drag. Add a box up there and you’re looking at a 10–20% drop in mileage depending on speed, weight, and aerodynamics.
Hitch racks don’t affect airflow as much—but they do add weight. And that weight can still impact fuel efficiency, especially if you’re carrying heavy bikes or extra gear.
Avoid it by:
- Taking your roof rack off when you’re not using it
- Choosing low-profile, aerodynamic carriers and boxes
- Storing heavier gear inside the vehicle if you can (not ideal, but more efficient)
- Driving a bit slower (highway speeds amplify wind resistance dramatically)
If fuel costs are a concern and your rack is a “sometimes” tool, don’t be afraid to remove it between trips. Most systems are quick to detach, and you’ll save yourself at the pump.
Final Thoughts: Racks Aren’t “Bad”—They Just Need Respect
At the end of the day, racks aren’t inherently bad for your car. In fact, they’re one of the most useful upgrades you can make if you’re the kind of person who camps, skis, bikes, surfs, or just wants to escape the city with more than a weekender bag.
But like anything car-related, using them the wrong way—or ignoring basic maintenance—can cause wear, tear, and regret.
So what’s the move?
- Install your rack carefully, and check it occasionally
- Stay within weight limits
- Don’t leave gear on the roof 24/7 if you’re not using it
- Think about storage, wind, and wear like a grown-up (even if your gear makes you feel like a kid)
Do that, and you’ll get all the convenience of a rack system without the downsides. Your car will thank you—and so will your passengers.
Timo is an outdoor enthusiast and gear specialist who is constantly exploring. As an avid hiker, he has completed the ADK 46ers, South Beyond 6000, GA4000, and the Colorado 14ers. He's ice climbed Mt. Hood, hiked up half a dozen mountains in the Alps, and spent three consecutive summers constructing a sustainable trail through the Colorado high country.
